One of our family’s favorite snacks is Party Mix. I have been making it for years in the oven, but recently got this recipe for making it in the slow cooker. My friend had adapted it, and says it has worked great for her. I thought this would be great to make as a warm snack for after school, with plans to keep the rest for school snacks & lunches, or for after school and weekend munching. The recipe is below, and then I added some serving suggestions.

Slow Cooker Party Mix

Ingredients:

* 7 cups assorted cereal (oat, rice, wheat cereal)
* 1 cup peanuts, pecans, cashews, or mixed nuts (omit this for nut allergies)
* 1 cup mini pretzel sticks
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
* 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* dash hot pepper sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
* 1/2 teaspoon onion salt

Directions:

- Combine cereals, nuts and pretzels in a 5-6 qt. slow cooker.
- Mix melted butter with remaining ingredients and pour over the cereal mixture, tossing to coat.
- Place a couple of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker and then the cover on top. The moisture that develops will be soaked up by the paper towels and help to keep the party mix crisp.
- Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes.
- Remove the paper towel and cover, then cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Pour out on clean paper towels and cool til it is at least slightly warm before serving.
- Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
- Yields about 10 cups.

Serving Ideas:

• Once cooled divide into individual portions and store in re-closable snack bags. Toss into lunchboxes, or an after school snack bin.
• Make 1-2 batches a couple days ahead to serve at a party.
• Great to make ahead and have ready for a school class party.
• Take along, serve at a family gathering, tailgating, or trail mix.

Let me know if you try this and how you liked it.
My kids give it a big thumbs up!

If you are interested in learning more about make ahead menu planning and meal ideas, you really should check out the Once A Week Cooking Club. The Club provides a weekly menu, make ahead instructions, plus a grocery list to help you prepare for a once a week cooking experience you’ll want to duplicate again and again.

Image credit: firewallender